A Western subdialect of Bengali [ben] (Grierson and Konow 1903–1928). Lexical similarity: 57%–90% among varieties of Kharia Thar, 53%–63% with Bengali [ben], 51%–67% with Odia [ory], 57%–75% with Lodhi [lbm].

Language Use

Spoken by some Hill Kharia. Ethnic Hill Kharia in Odisha speak Odia [ory] as L1. Many in Jharkhand and West Bengal speak Bengali [ben] as L1. Home, village, private prayer. Most also use Bengali [ben], in outside domains. Also use Hindi [hin], Odia [ory], Santhali [sat].